The perfect space to make your most treasured memories. Harrington House invites you to share your special occasions in fine style.
T +27 66 473 8699
Email: info@harringtonhouse.co.za
Harrington House
16 Hilton College Road, Hilton 3245
Ideally 6 weeks before the wedding to allow time for replies to come in.
At least two weeks before the wedding to allow time to finalise catering details like dietary requirements, and seating plans.
If there is a hotel close to your wedding venue, this is a great way to get your group together and to make your planning easier. Providing a transport shuttle for your guests makes their lives easier and safer.
- Double stick fashion tape
- Sewing Kit
- Anti-blister balm/band aids
- Portable clothing steamer
- Stain remover pen
- Lint roller
- Hair spray
- Pain reliever meds – non drowsy
- Eye Drops
- Tissues
- Tampons & pads
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Earbuds/Q Tips
- Antacid
- Lipstick/touch up make up
This is a personal decision, but do remember that some children battle to sit quietly for any length of time, and that all require feeding at a reasonable hour. So ensure there are carers who can entertain and feed them; and that there is somewhere they can go when they are tired or bored; or you run the risk of them disrupting your wedding.
For wedding cakes, portions are smaller than usual, so you need to consider this. Also whether the cake is to double as the dessert, or be a part of the dessert, or is in addition to the dessert will all affect the quantity required.
You will cherish your wedding video for years to come and it will be fun to share with your family in later years. However, you will need to factor the cost into your photography budget.
- Offer limited items during canapés and include plenty of bottled waters.
- Instruct your barmen to pour singles only.
- Do not offer shooters on your tab.
- Choose certain items to be included in your tab: say wine, champagne, beer, soft drinks; and have a cash bar for the rest.
- Have a limited tab and once that is done, guests must buy their drinks. (Guests do need to be aware in advance that it is a partial cash bar)
- Pour glasses of wine/champagne at the bar rather than placing bottles on the tables where there are likely to be half finished bottles and therefore wastage.
Yes as this eliminates stress if someone is running late, and it also allows you maximum fun time with your favourite people.
Absolutely – this saves time and eliminates stress.
This works best following the ceremony. Coordinating the family and bridal party once cocktail hour begins can be tricky. Have a detailed list of photos required and get your most efficient attendant to take charge for you.
We strongly recommend getting a photographer who will capture these beautiful images quickly and efficiently, so that you get time to join your guests during cocktail hour. This is the best time to greet and mingle, and is a special part of your wedding you do not want to miss.
Yes, your service providers should definitely be catered for – remember to add the photographer, videographer, wedding planner, barmen, DJ and any assistants to your catering numbers. You need not officially seat them, but they must be offered a meal.
This is a personal preference but a great way to go. Open seating can cause confusion and disruption and result in friend or family groups being split up, or ending up sitting with strangers. Seating plans also aid the caterers in serving specifically ordered dietary requirements to certain guests.
This is your choice, but traditionally the Father of the Bride opens proceedings with a welcome and words about his daughter. Then the Best man and Maid of Honour do toasts, followed by the Groom’s speech. Many Brides also choose to speak and she would then go before the Groom.
Speakers, especially the Groom, may feel nervous. So getting all toasts done before the main course is served is a good idea. It also reduces heckling as guests have not over imbibed! Remind those who are speaking to keep it short. Long, drawn out speeches make people antsy and disruptive, and put you behind schedule for the evening.
This depends on the duration of your wedding, but as most weddings approach 10/11 hours in length, and midnight snack is usually very popular and enthusiastically welcomed.
Lighting is an important factor in setting the mood for your wedding. Soft amber bulbs, lots of candles or fairy lights all add to the atmosphere and mood.
This depends on what is important to you as a couple. Do you want outstanding décor? Or a fine dining menu? Or a live band? Discuss how you envision your day and prioritise from there.
This depends on the size of your wedding and preferred location. You can narrow it down immediately based on these considerations and on your budget. Then visit venues in person and you will get a feel for which host and venue suits you best.
